May 10 - the feast day of St. Damien of Molokai - Martyr of charity and Apostle to the Lepers. Father Damien helped expand the church of St. Philomena twice after his arrival on the island of Molokai. Kalaupapa was a leprosy settlement which housed Hansen’s disease patients. Father Damien cared for the lepers and also contracted the disease. But through his work and service on the island, news spread of his good works throughout the world.
Father Damien was canonized in 2009 by Pope Benedict XVI.
St. Damien of Molokai, pray for us!